Easy Green Bean Casserole for 8

Are you tired of using canned mushroom soup in your green bean casserole? Look no further! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a creamy and delicious homemade version that will impress your family and friends.

First, let's talk about cheese. If you're having trouble finding Gruyère or if it's too expensive, feel free to swap it out for white cheddar cheese. It may not have the same flavor as Gruyère, but it'll still melt beautifully and add plenty of richness to your casserole.

The base of our sauce is similar to a classic macaroni and cheese sauce, made with butter, milk, and a generous amount of mushrooms. If you don't have access to fresh green beans, you can use thawed frozen ones instead. Just be aware that they may not retain the same crunch as fresh beans.

When it comes to canned green beans, we're not fans. They tend to become mushy and lack the texture and flavor of fresh or frozen beans. But don't worry - our homemade casserole uses fresh green beans for the best results.

To make this dish even more special, we add a crispy fried shallot topping that's surprisingly easy to make. And let's not forget the key ingredient: fresh green beans. Using these instead of canned ones makes all the difference in terms of texture and flavor.

So what are you waiting for? Give our homemade green bean casserole recipe a try this Thanksgiving - or any time you need a comforting side dish that's easy to make and delicious to eat. And don't forget to check out our other holiday recipes, including our best roast turkey recipe and creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips for Making Ahead:

* Prepare the sauce and green beans up to 2 days in advance.

* Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

* The casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you're ready to serve.

With its creamy sauce and crunchy shallot topping, this green bean casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!

Easy green bean casserole for 8